Autodesk University 2023 returns to Las Vegas, and the annual event promises opportunities to learn and connect for industry leaders from architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), design, manufacturing, and media and entertainment. Eptura will be there, too, with some exciting presentations on how new tech is driving improvements in how we manage and maintain the built environment.
But before going into the details, let’s start with the basics.
What is Autodesk University 2023?
Autodesk University is the largest annual event for Autodesk users, partners, and employees. Boasting hundreds of sessions on architecture, construction, manufacturing, and design, it’s an important opportunity to grow – both your knowledge and network.
Autodesk University is all about learning and connecting, and the company bills it as a place “where you can learn how to put the possibilities of Autodesk’s Design and Make Platform to work.” There will be over 600 classes led by industry professionals over the three days.
With over 10,000 attendees and plenty of meetups, workshops, and receptions, there are lots of chances to expand your peer network. And with its focus on practical applications of the Autodesk ecosystem solutions, attendees can discover new ways to use technology to improve everything from their workflows to their products.
This year, the event runs in-person and online from Nov. 13-15.
What is Autodesk?
Autodesk delivers software and services for architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment. Traditionally, its flagship platform has been AutoCAD, which many industries use for computer-aided design because it allows them to design, draft, and model buildings and other structures.
However, Autodesk is now just as well-known for its diverse software solutions, including Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, and the entire Product Design Suite. The Revit line of solutions helps users create, capture, and leverage building information modeling (BIM) data for the planning, construction, operations, and maintenance phases.
Where is Autodesk University this year?
Autodesk is hosting its big annual conference in Las Vegas at The Venetian Convention & Expo Center, within The Venetian Resort Las Vegas at the heart of the Las Vegas strip.
What else is there to do in Las Vegas?
You can check out the casinos that first made Vegas famous, including Caesars Palace, Bellagio, MGM Grand, and the Golden Nugget. On top of all the slot machines and poker tables, there are many museums, buffets, music acts, and comedy showcases. There’s even the Pinball Hall of Fame, and Cirque du Soleil.
One of the great things about Las Vegas is how it can bring so many things together. Want to catch a U2 concert, walk under a shark reef, see artifacts from the Titanic, experience The Lego Movie in 4D, and lounge by the pool in a cabana? You can do it all in Vegas, and likely all on the same day. You can also do a mini world tour with visits to scaled-down replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Egyptian pyramids, and The Grand Canal.
Facility and maintenance managers can also appreciate the iconic tourist spots by imagining all the skill and work that goes into keeping the attractions up and running. The Vegas Strip has an estimated 12 million light bulbs. The fountain at the Bellagio is more than 1,000 feet wide, with water that reaches 460 feet into the air. Just imagine all those work orders.
Who are the Autodesk University speakers?
There are too many to list here, but highlights include the keynote speeches. On the first day of the general session, Autodesk president and CEO Andrew Anagnost and company vice presidents from across the AEC, entertainment, and product development departments will share their insights into the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and work. Although recent rapid developments have created a sense of uncertainty, AI promises to empower creativity and unleash productivity.
Staying with the theme of change but adding some Hollywood star power, the second-day general session features the CEO in conversation with the actor, producer, and businessman Ryan Reynolds.
With a long list of accomplishments, including everything from producing and starring in Hollywood movies during a writers’ strike to turning around failing football teams, Reynolds will have exciting things to share on how best to prepare for, weather through, and eventually capitalize on change.
What are some of the can’t-miss events at Autodesk University 2023?
Eptura hosts two of them.
The first is our networking lunch and learn session, Operational Intelligence: Optimize with Connected Facility Operations. Learn the strategies and insights you need to ensure a successful hand-off that sets you up for smooth facility management.
See how to leverage engineering resources, utilize the latest technologies such as BIM Viewer, and use design and construction data to gain operational intelligence. As a concrete example of how it all works, we’ll show you how managing ticketing systems and updating asset records and facility tickets can streamline your operations.
The second is Exploring the Future of the Operator Experience through Digital Twins, with Nick Stefanidakis, SVP, Channel and Alliances, and Fred Kraus, VP Product Managements. They’ll look at how digital twins have revolutionized operator experience, from optimizing workflows for improved productivity. Specifically, they’ll cover how you can leverage Autodesk Tandem and Eptura Asset to connect building spaces and assets, inform decision-making, and update existing workflows.
What other companies are at Autodesk University in the 2023 Expo?
So much of the power and potential of Autodesk comes from the rich, deep ecosystem of partner solutions. At the Expo, you can learn about new technologies and trends, meet many partners and their product experts, and even get hands-on experience with the newest tech.
Make sure to stop by the Eptura booth. We usually have the best swag and are always excited to meet new people and reconnect with old friends in the industry.
Here’s the complete exhibitor list.
What if you can’t make it to Autodesk 2023 in Las Vegas?
If you can’t make it to Las Vegas for the in-person events, you can always attend online. It’s easy to sign up.
By Jonathan Davis
Jonathan writes about asset management, maintenance software, and SaaS solutions in his role as a digital content creator at Eptura. He covers trends across industries, including fleet, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality, with a focus on delivering thought leadership with actionable insights. Earlier in his career, he wrote textbooks, edited NPC dialogue for video games, and taught English as a foreign language. He hold a master's degree in journalism.
